Merrick Completes As-Built Transmission Line Mapping

Jul 05, 2011

Merrick & Co.'s geospatial mapping and technologies unit has completed a high-density, aerial light detection and ranging (LiDAR) as-built survey of a 132-mile double circuit 345kV line in the western United States. The work was being done under a contract to Stanley Consultants, Inc.

The data was collected using a helicopter platform equipped with a multiple sensor pod configuration. On this project, in addition to providing PLS-CADD formatted LiDAR data, the team simultaneously collected nadir imagery and high resolution oblique imagery which was used in the detailed classification of the transmission line features. This newer, high density, multiple sensor approach to airborne data acquisition is well-suited to mapping power transmission corridors and electric transmission operators are increasingly looking to use this data collection methodology to meet the North American Electric Reliability Corp.'s (NERC) reliability and clearance standards.

Merrick & Co.'s most recent work includes providing terrestrial scanning for an electrical substation for Xcel Energy and acquiring light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data for F.E. Warren Air Force Base and for a wind farm located in Kansas. Merrick maintains eight offices in the U.S. as well as two offices in Mexico and an office in Canada.